Post-doctoral Research Associate: College of Nursing - UTK

The College of Nursing (CON) at the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the state’s flagship research institution, seeks a Post-Doctoral Researcher who will work with a senior researcher in order to receive advanced research training from a senior researcher. The post-doctoral researcher will also provide services as a project director trainee with the supervision of the senior researcher. This project director experience also serves as important research training.

This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon the continued funding of the grant. 

Post-Doctoral Research Training

• Develop an independent program of research
• Develop and implement complex research projects
• Grant writing
• Write, edit and submit data-based publications
• Write data-based abstracts for submission to professional conferences
• Give professional and lay presentations
• Learn to mentor junior researchers
• Community engagement 
• Laboratory set up and maintenance (equipment, survey instruments, quality control)
• Human subject protection, CITI training, IRB training and compliance

Assistance with Project Direction (under the direction of the senior researcher)

• Participant screening, recruitment, enrollment and follow-up
• Track all data entry to ensure minimal missing or incorrect data
• Set-up data collection forms in REDCap
• Perform data cleaning 
• Perform data analysis
• Protocol set-up
• Other duties as assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Earned PhD in Nursing, Health Science or Nutrition Science 1-2 years of experience conducting or assisting with nursing research.

• Excellent time management skills and ability to work accurately under deadlines

• Excellent written and oral communication skills to provide concise explanations to a number of constituents

• Excellent organization skills for tracking communication, patient flow through studies, complex project details, and retaining records 

• A natural enthusiasm for finding solutions 

• Enthusiasm for learning new research concepts, techniques, leadership skills, and how to write successful grants

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Higher education and grant management experience

Work Location: 1200 Volunteer Blvd Knoxville, TN 37996

Duration:  3 years

Compensation:

• Anticipated hiring range: $60,000 – $70,000
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

For best consideration, applicants should submit a cover letter and resume before September 28th, 2026.  Specific questions about the position may be sent to College of Nursing Human Resources, conhr@utk.edu

About the College of Nursing 

With a longstanding tradition of excellence in nursing education, research, and clinical practice, we are proud to be a guiding force in healthcare education. We embrace innovation while honoring the values that have shaped our success. By offering cutting-edge academic programs, supporting impactful research, and forging strong community partnerships, we prepare healthcare professionals who deliver high-quality, culturally responsive care in a diverse and ever-changing world. Join the Vol Nurse Family! Get to know CON